JMSDF SH-60J ASW helicopter (photo : yahoo)Currently submarine hunt forces Naval Aviation Vietnam covers only 8 Ka-28 is a Soviet Union transferred in the period 1989-1990.After nearly 30 years of service, anti-submarine capabilities of the helicopter with coaxial rotor configuration unique in being judged is outdated, does not meet all the requirements of modern warfare, though went through the upgrade process in Ukraine.Realizing the weakness on Navy Vietnam last time has made the move to find alternative subjects, including "cult" is the most exposed group to evaluate AgustaWestland helicopter AW159 Wildcat underground hunt, but so far no progress.After the US lifted the arms embargo, MH-60 Seahawk suddenly emerged as a top candidate. But P-3C Orion same unit prices 45-55 million / unit (depending on version) causing them to exceed the reach of Vietnam.However with the latest developments, while Vietnam is Japan expressed interest in providing P-3C used (especially according to some statements, the Northeast Asian countries are willing to sell cheap or even financial support), it also opens up prospects for our ability to buy helicopters to hunt both underground SH-60J Seahawk.SH-60J is the version based on the SH-60 Seahawk US, is produced in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Corporation under license from Sikorsky. Mitsubishi started transferring the first SH-60J JMSDF in 1991, they officially on the payroll shortly thereafter.Basically, the SH-60J is the SH-60B hybrid SH-60F and, differences lie mostly in the electronic system. Japanese aircraft fabrication equipped with sonar embedded HQS-103, phased array radar scanning and proactive HPS-104 electronic warfare systems HLR-108. SH-60J using domestic motor T700-IHI-401C supplied by Ishikawa-Harima.In addition to anti-submarine weapons like torpedoes dedicated Mk 46 lightweight, Type 74, Type 12, the bomb, the SH-60J sink ... also bring both 7.62 mm machine guns, rockets and rocket Hydra 70 mm Hellfire anti-tank for fire support missions for the Marines.P-3C similar is being replaced by a P-1, Mitsubishi Corporation has now upgraded version produced SH-60K as a complement and ready bridging the gap of the SH-60J the production of the first batch money.If Vietnam is Japan agreed to transfer the patrol aircraft P-3C Orion submarine hunt, the more likely we will buy SH-60J Seahawk attached to synchronize equipment. Although relatively "older" but of Japanese weapons has always been appreciated for the quality and reliability, will also serve to add a long time to come.With rich combat experience and advanced facilities in Japan, Vietnam Navy will ensure complete protection tasks island sovereignty before a large submarine force of the enemy. The plan should be promoted to a deployed immediately in the near future.

The trials saw two torpedoes successfully launched from a Seagull USV. (photo : Elbit Systems)Elbit Systems has conducted torpedo launch trials from its Seagull unmanned surface vessel (USV) in waters off the port of Haifa.The tests involved two firings of a lightweight torpedo; however, the company would not disclose to IHS Jane's which torpedo was utilised except to say that it is an "off-the-shelf" solution.The purpose of the trials was to verify and demonstrate the installation and launch of a torpedo, rather than test the capability in a target engagement cycle. "We wanted to prove that all systems functioned and that a torpedo could be launched from such a small vessel," the spokesperson said.During the trials the Seagull operated in a swell of around 1 m (Sea State 3), although the torpedo launch capability can be utilised in higher Sea States, according to the spokesperson.The launcher configuration for the trials represents that which will ultimately be used operationally, the spokesperson said, noting that this meets the tactical deployment considerations for the torpedo.Seagull is designed to offer a multimission USV capability, filling a wide range of roles with an initial focus on mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Wider applications are set to include maritime security and force protection - the platform can be fitted with a remote weapon station - and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), among others.Further tests of Seagull's torpedo capability - and of other payloads - are scheduled to take place, the spokesperson confirmed. For ASW operations, Seagull will be fitted with an L-3 Ocean Systems HELRAS low-frequency dipping sonar.Seagull is 12 m long with a draft of just 0.8 m and a beam of 3.3 m. It has a top speed of 32 kt, can carry up to 2,500 kg of useful payload, and has the capacity for 3,500 litres of fuel, which equates to an operational endurance of 96 hours.(Jane's)

Team Sentinel, primed by Elbit Systems of Australia, has shown off its offering for LAND 400 Phase 2 in Tasmania, where Elphinstone would manufacture the Sentinel II combat reconnaissance vehicle, if successful.

The 8×8 Sentinel II vehicle – complete with Tassie devil paint scheme – is based on the Singapore Technologies Kinetics (ST Kinetics) TERREX 2 hull and driveline as shortlisted for the US Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle Phase 1, Increment 1 (ACV 1.1) program. Also known as the TERREX 2-35, because it has a gross vehicle mass of 35 tonnes, the Sentinel II is fitted with an upgraded drivetrain and more powerful engine.The Sentinel II is equipped with a variant of Elbit’s manned (but convertible) MT30 turret, fitted with a 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster cannon. This turret could be changed over to the unmanned UT30 configuration in four to six hours; for instance, such a decision could be made once a vehicle has been deployed. The UT30 Mk2 has been put on vehicles for Brazil, the Philippines and Israel.

Sentinel II is fitted with the latest generation of Elbit’s battle management system, integrated with the weapons systems and defensive systems to create Weapon Integrated BMS (WINBMS).The media was given the chance to clamber over the vehicle – intended for the Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA) – on Tuesday, after the hull was flown in on Friday last week aboard an Ilyushin Il-76, and put together with the turret and combat system over the weekend.

Underlining its commitment to achieving 67 per cent Australian industry content within the Sentinel II, Elbit Systems of Australia has signed a memorandum of agreement with Marand to manufacture the third RMA vehicle’s turret.If the Team Sentinel bid for LAND 400 Phase 2 is successful, Marand would manufacture and assemble 180 turrets in Geelong; these turrets would then be fitted to vehicles manufactured in Tasmania by Elphinstone at a final assembly and production facility to be located at Avalon Airport.(ADBR)

29 Juni 2016

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast (left) leading the Multinational Group Sail (MNGS) with two other warships from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) (right) and United States Navy (USN) (in far background).The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast is the first non-United States Navy (USN) ship to lead a Multinational Group Sail to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, the world's largest international maritime exercise. From 18 to 29 June 2016 (Singapore time), the RSN is leading two other warships from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the USN in a sail from Okinawa, Japan, to Hawaii, USA, to participate in Exercise RIMPAC. The USN is leading three other multinational groups that are sailing from San Diego and the western Pacific Ocean.

The RSN conducted naval warfare serials with the two other naval ships en route, in preparation for the high-intensity sea phase during Exercise RIMPAC. RSS Steadfast, with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter, led the conduct of helicopter operations, surface warfare drills, gunnery firings as well as manoeuvring and communications serials. The exercise serials enhanced interoperability and mutual understanding among the naval ships.Commenting on the navy-to-navy interactions, Commanding Officer of RSS Steadfast, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Ooi Tjin Kai, said that the Multinational Group Sail presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen inter-navy partnerships. LTC Ooi said, "The exercises at sea help to build confidence in operating with one another. As commander of a Multinational Group Sail, the RSN plays an important role in catalysing cooperation between the participating navies and we are glad to be able to value-add to the interactions."Hosted by the USN, the biennial Exercise RIMPAC will be conducted in the waters off Hawaii from 1 July to 5 August 2016 (Singapore time). This is the fifth time that the RSN will be participating in the exercise. Exercise RIMPAC, as well as the Multinational Group Sail component, serve as important avenues for the RSN to sharpen its combat proficiencies and deepen professional ties and interoperability with the other participating navies.(Sing Mindef)

Airbus military satcom (photo : Airbus DS)Indonesia has approved plans by the military to acquire a communications satellite that will be launched in 2019. Acquisition is expected to spur the usage of satellite-based communication systems across the Indonesian Armed ForcesThe Indonesian House of Representatives commission on defence, intelligence, and foreign affairs (Komisi I) has approved a request for funding from the country's defence ministry and the Indonesian Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, or TNI) to acquire a satellite from Airbus Defence and Space for USD849.3 million.Plans to acquire the satellite were approved on 27 June, according to a transcript of proceedings between Komisi I and the Indonesian Ministry of Defence and TNI, provided to IHS Jane's on the day after.The satellite will be used for military satellite communications on the L-Band frequency and is targeted for launch in 2019. The satellite is expected to be developed with input from the military and various Indonesian institutions, but Airbus Defence and Space will be fully responsible for its launch.Upon launch, the satellite is expected to occupy the orbital slot of 123 degrees east longitude. The orbital slot, which has been allocated to Indonesia by the International Telecommunications Union, was previously occupied by the Garuda-1 satellite belonging to Asia Cellular Satellite. However, it has since been taken out of orbit due to various malfunctions.The satellite's acquisition costs are expected to be disbursed by the Indonesian government over a five-year period leading up to 2019.(Jane's)

Hyundai Heavy Industries had proposed HDF3000 variant for Philippines Navy (image : HHI).MANILA (PNA) --- Representatives of the Philippine Navy (PN) have visited and conducted post-qualification inspections on South Korea's Hanjin Heavy Industries, Inc. (HHI), one of the proponents in the country's missile-capable frigate project.This was stressed by Rear Admiral Roland Joseph Mercado, Western Command chief and head of the PN technical working group head on the above-mentioned project Tuesday.HHI was one of the six foreign shipbuilders who participated in the project when it formally opened for bidding sometimes in 2014. It is based in Busan, South KoreaHe added that post-qualification inspection on HHI is "very favorable" and said PN representatives focused on the proponent's capability to meet the project's "technical proposals and technical requirements".Post-qualification inspections took place some three weeks ago, Mercado added.The Department of National Defense has allocated PHP18 billion for the acquisition of two missile-armed frigates capable of engaging surface, air and sub-surface targets.The budget can be divided into PHP16 billion for the ships and PHP2 billion for the weapon systems and munitions.Mercado declined to give exact specifics of the frigate program but said the two ship can "must steam in speeds in excess of 25 knots and can engage surface, air, and surface threats" aside from helping in the PN's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.He expects the ships to be in service within three to four years. (PNA)

28 Juni 2016

Exercise Koa Moana (photos : US Marines)PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA -- More than 130 service members from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, U.S. Marine Corps and Navy mesh as one formation, despite the extreme heat and scorching sun, to celebrate the beginning of a beneficial future for all three components.Task Force Koa Moana and soldiers with the PNGDF held an opening ceremony for Exercise Koa Moana, at Taurama Barracks, Papua New Guinea, June 18, 2016.“This exercise is going to be the first of what should be many opportunities to broaden and deepen the ties of friendship and professionalization,” said Joel F. Maybury, the Deputy Chief of Mission with the U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea. “We’ve been looking for a number of ways for the U.S. and PNG to come together, whether it’s military, economic commercial or cultural arena.”The task force arrived in Papua New Guinea via USNS Sacagawea, June 17, 2016, after traveling from Timor Leste for Exercise Crocodilo 16, as part of their deployment in the Asia-Pacific region. The PNGDF Navy had the opportunity to test their capabilities by using one of their naval vessels to transport the Marines, Sailors and their gear from ship to ship to shore.

“The purpose of Exercise Koa Moana, which means ‘ocean warrior’ in the Hawaiian language, is to practice skills in various military fields, resulting in a skills transfer between both organizations,” said Col. Siale Diro, the Chief of Force Preparation for land and sea elements in the PNGDF. “It is important to build our relationship and our military partnership with our allies.”The PNGDF has trained frequently with the U.S. Army, but this marks the first opportunity for them to train with the U.S. Marines directly, specifically in infantry tactics, combat lifesaving techniques, engineering capabilities and non-lethal law enforcement capabilities.“This exercise provides a very good platform to build our relationship with the U.S. Marines,” said Diro. “We have a long standing relationship with the U.S. military. We understand their role in the region and we share the same values of liberty, individual rights, democracy and freedom of speech.”Papua New Guinea is the second of four destinations scheduled during Task Force Koa Moana’s deployment, which has been assigned the mission of conducting multi-national, bilateral exercises with multiple nations to increase interoperability and relations to preserve peace and stability in the Pacific.“The big picture is global and regional security,” said Maybury. “Our friends and allies in the Pacific are important.”( US Marines)

KF-X fighter jet (image : nownews)Hanwha Techwin bags 240 bln won deal with S. Korea's aircraft makerSEOUL (Yonhap) -- Hanwha Techwin, a South Korean defense manufacturer, said Monday that it has signed a parts supply deal worth 241 billion won (US$204 million) with Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), the country's sole aircraft manufacturer.The deal is designed to localize parts of the engine for South Korea's next-generation fighter jets, Hanwha Techwin said in a regulatory filing.In May, South Korea picked U.S. company General Electric as the preferred bidder to supply engines for the KF-X project.KAI said Hanwha Techwin is set to import GE engines and localize some of them, and assemble the engines before delivering them to the South Korean government for the project.The KF-X project calls for building 120 locally made twin-engine combat jets. South Korea plans to deploy the new planes starting in the mid-2020s to replace its aging jet fleet of F-4s and F-5s.Shares of Hanwha Techwin closed up 2.94 percent at 47,200 won on the Seoul bourse on Monday.Hanwha Group took over Samsung Techwin, the defense manufacturing unit of Samsung Group, and renamed it Hanwha Techwin last year.(Yonhap)

JMSDF P-3C Orion (photo : US Navy)HANOI -- Vietnam is looking to beef up its defense capabilities, particularly now that the U.S. has fully lifted its arms embargo against the country.It is especially keen to enhance its air patrols to counter China, which has been building military facilities on artificial islands in the South China Sea. The problem is the hefty price tag of U.S. gear. As an alternative, Vietnam is apparently looking to buy cheaper secondhand aircraft from Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force.More than a bargainVietnam has long wanted anti-submarine aircraft and many analysts thought Vietnam would move quickly to purchase one from the U.S. once the arms embargo was lifted. But Japan has also emerged as a potential supplier. According to a Japanese official, the Vietnamese navy informally asked in the spring to buy retired MSDF P-3C anti-submarine aircraft.The P-3C patrol plane is a derivative of the P-3 Orion, a surveillance plane made by Lockheed Martin of the U.S. Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries is licensed to build the aircraft, which has broad search capabilities and is good at detecting submarines. The MSDF is said to own about 80 of the planes.Vietnam frets about China's underwater threat. Beijing is estimated to have at least 70 submarines. The Southeast Asian country has purchased six Kilo-class submarines from Russia since 2015. But that is far from enough to counter China. An improved air patrol fleet is essential to its anti-submarine capabilities.Reuters reports that Vietnam is expected to ask Lockheed Martin to for pricing and availability data on four to six older U.S. Navy P-3 Orions in the next few months. A brand-new P-3 would probably go for at least $80 million, which would keep Vietnam from buying more than one at a time.But money is not the only reason why Vietnam is turning to Japan. First, Japan will have more P-3C aircraft available. The MSDF has been replacing the propeller-driven planes with the cutting-edge P-1 jet since 2013. Also, Vietnam hopes to get training along with the planes. P-3C pilots must be able to distinguish enemy submarines from other craft by the sound of their screws, for instance. The MSDF is considered to be one of the most sophisticated operators of the aircraft in the world. Vietnam appears to think it would be easier to learn from Japan, with which it has political and economic ties.In addition, Vietnam apparently hopes to hone its skills through joint exercises with the MSDF. Japanese P-3Cs have been visiting Danang, in central Vietnam, for several years. This year, the two sides are scheduled to hold joint search and rescue drills. For the MSDF, the exercise is an opportunity to show off its humanitarian work. For Vietnam, it could provide advance training with the P-3C.In late May, after meeting with visiting U.S. President Barack Obama, Tran Dai Quang, his Vietnamese counterpart, welcomed the complete lifting of the 41-year-old arms embargo, which dates to the end of the Vietnam War. "Both countries have completely normalized relations," Tran said at a joint news conference with Obama after their meeting.(Nikkei)

27 Juni 2016

HMAS Hobart on June 2016 (photo : LordHello1)AWD Alliance celebrates the opening of the RAN’s Navy Training Systems Centre whilst the first destroyer, Hobart, progresses towards sea trials for the combat system.This week marks further progress for the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) project, as the Royal Australian Navy officially opened its Navy Training Systems Centre at Randwick Barracks in New South Wales on 8 April.The purpose-built facility will provide the location for the RAN to deliver training for both the AWD and Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) capabilities, demonstrating one of the many facility requirements that the AWD Alliance has delivered as part of the project to date.This milestone comes as the first Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Hobart advances further towards sea trials with the activation of a number of significant combat systems. .The AWD Alliance team, comprised of Raytheon Australia, ASC and the Department of Defence, has invested over the last decade in developing the people, processes, tools and supplier relationships required to integrate and activate such highly technical and complex systems.In its role as the Combat Systems Integrator, Raytheon Australia is responsible for the design, integration, testing and activation of the Hobart Class Combat System for all three destroyers, as well as delivery of the associated land-based support facilities. This involves the integration of 10 major subsystems, including the Aegis Weapon System, which is provided through Foreign Military Sales, and associated delivery of more than 3,500 major pieces of combat system equipment required to establish the warfighting capability of the AWD for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).AWD Program Manager Commodore Craig Bourke, CSC, RAN, said that the collegiate approach for developing the Hobart Class Combat System Solution, led by Raytheon Australia has achieved the expected ‘best-for-program outcomes’ working with the US Navy and a range of Original Equipment Manufacturers, such as Ultra and Lockheed Martin.“The Combat System architectural principles applied by Raytheon Australia have given the Commonwealth an overall system of systems solution with effective balance between a system with a strong parent Navy pedigree and the Australian indigenous capability to select, manage and tailor sub-systems, weapons and effectors to best meet the capability needs of the Royal Australian Navy along with inherent through life support benefits,” Commodore Bourke said.AWD Alliance General Manager Lloyd Beckett also reinforced the importance of this activity as a demonstration of the complex work being undertaken by the Alliance. “The activation of the combat system is an exciting time for a first-of-class ship such as Hobart. It is a further demonstration of the demanding work that we are executing on this project, and proof of our ability to manage the risks associated with highly complex integration activities. I am immensely proud of what the AWD Alliance is achieving together as one team,” said Lloyd.The three destroyers will represent one of the world’s most advanced multi-purpose warships, providing the RAN with a cross-spectrum capability, from joint maritime operations and area air defence to escort duties and diplomatic missions.(Aus AWD)

According to Lenta, after the T-54 Vietnam is Israel upgraded T-55M3 standard, the deck of this increase is a comprehensive makeover with unexpected strength.Firepower: According to the source, upgraded tanks equipped with heavy machine gun NSV 12.7 mm manufactured by Vietnam, a gun capable of attacking low-flying aerial targets such as helicopters, UAVs ... In field conditions, can also lower barreled guns to attack the infantry and enemy vehicles.However, the formidable firepower of tanks T-54 modernization / 55M3 is twisted 105 mm cannon type M68 / L7 of Israel. L7 cannon can shoot bullets APAM, or kinetic energy ammunition with cross bar with insulating tiles, enhance longevity and accuracy when shooting.

In addition, to further enhance the firepower attack, tanks T-54 / 55M3 is also equipped with a coaxial machine gun 7.62 mm PKT. According to Lenta, machine guns and self-produced by Vietnam.60 mm mortar is being deployed on the main battle tanks and Magach Mekava of Israel. 60 mm mortar is being deployed on the main battle tanks and Magach Mekava of Israel. This vegetation type is also equipped by Vietnam. With the support of 60 mm mortars, tanks can attack more effective against infantry hiding in the fortifications, or even high-rise buildings.Through pictures of prototypes made public, said Lenta, tank upgrade of Vietnam was equipped with meteorological sensors MAWS6056B due Idram Swiss company manufactured. MAWS6056B sensors provide meteorological parameters such as wind direction and speed, temperature and atmospheric pressure for the artillery ballistic computer. A special feature is the sensor is evaluated MAWS6056B modern, even advanced main battle tank of the French Leclerc are also using this sensor.

Defense system: On defense systems, tanks were fitted with explosive reactive armor Blazer ERA box of Israel. The two sides are designed turret assembly reaction notched corners beveled to enhance dispersion of force penetrating warhead, the rear is fitted with cage armor. Overall, the T-54 turret / 55M3 western-style design, is evaluating the effectiveness of defense many times higher than the old turret.Under the plan, explosive reactive armor ERA 2nd generation developed by Vietnam will also be fitted to the position of "critical" by tanks, especially in front of the nose turret and vehicle.To improve the viability of the tank, crawler systems have also been strengthened by the armor protection riem, similar to armor caterpillars on foreign tanks. Turret sides of the vehicle is also fitted with the system smoke grenade launchers (large container), to launch smoke hiding the enemy tanks were laser beam, or aiming.

According to the estimates of Lenta, version T-54 / 55M3 installed 1,000-horsepower diesel engine new German-made. With this engine, the ability to move the tanks will be increased significantly. The car is also fitted with the fire control system FCS Russian-made, perhaps this is a unique device is performed on the main Russian tank their upgrade.

It can be said, through the details of the weapons systems, defense, engine, computer ... are installed on tanks upgraded T-54 / 55M3 prove effective.In the last exercise in 2011 to test the upgraded weaponry weapons DOD, T-55M3 tanks participated test firing and military officials appreciate, which, the car was able to shot while traveling forward, the ability to shoot the turret also faster than before.However, this is not the only upgrade package of Israel in order to increase the power of T-54/55 that Vietnam can refer. In particular, Israel has unveiled a new upgrade package for many types of increases, including T-54/55 with fire control system TISAS completely new. With TISAS, tanks equipped fighting will increase efficiency and productivity by providing operational data in both day and night, poor visibility conditions allow accurate fire shoot enemy targets soon discovered first at long range.(BaoDatViet)